Farmers Market in downtown Pleasanton is expecting a near-record number of shoppers today for its mid-summer sales of fresh produce, vegetables and other staples.

The event will culminate three days of major downtown events that started Thursday with a sell-out crowd at the semi-annual Wine Stroll sponsored by the Pleasanton Downtown Association.

Just under 1,000 turned out on a warm evening Thursday night to enjoy the wine stroll that was held in cooperation with participating merchants and local wineries.

The PDA's event coordinator Alisha Perdue said the wine stroll was an opportunity for the PDA and its members to showcase in a unique way the diverse businesses and services downtown Pleasanton has to offer. More than 30 Pleasanton and Livermore Valley wineries showcased their wines with merchants hosting their own appetizers throughout the evening.

"The Wine Stroll is a fun event for merchants and the public," said Judy Wheeler, owner of Towne Center Books on Main Street, who is also chairwoman of the PDA's Marketing Committee. "I always have a chance to talk to people who are in downtown Pleasanton for the first time, and then I see them coming back because this was such an enjoyable experience."

The good times downtown kept coming, with the PDA's free Concerts in the Park last night and now Farmers Market on a sunny Saturday morning. The market is on Angela Street, between First and Main streets.

Participating merchants and the brands of wine they served at Thursday night's Wine Stroll were: